CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – Coast Guard crews and a hired contractor have safely removed approximately 9,500 gallons of diesel fuel from the Frieda Marie, which remains aground near Assateague Island National Park Friday.

Sector Hampton Roads response personnel and members of IMS Environmental removed a majority of the fuel from the stranded vessel since they began Wednesday. Approximately 100 gallons of fuel remains aboard to power the vessel’s generators.

“We have safely removed the majority of the diesel fuel; however, the vessel still is aground,” said Lt.j.g. Scott McBride, Sector Hampton Roads public affairs officer. “We have engaged our local, state and federal partner agencies as we continue to resolve this issue.”